Last updated: June 4th, 2024
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Plan a Memorial Day cookout to remember with these 15 easy recipes for a crowd, including make-ahead dishes and grilling favorites.
Summer may not officially begin until mid-June, but we’re big believers that Memorial Day weekend really is the true start to summer! Kick off the season with a backyard barbecue to remember with these 15 easy Memorial Day cookout recipes for a crowd.
1. Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
Swap traditional hummus for this veggie-loaded make-ahead cauliflower hummus this Memorial Day! It’s light and airy and pairs perfectly with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, and veggies, so it’s perfect for snacking on a warm summer day.
2. Agave Chili Lime Chicken Wings
Say hello to your new favorite cookout wings! This recipe is super easy to make for a large crowd, since you can easily scale it and it bakes in the oven. Just grab a few foil trays from the grocery store and load them up with these sticky, sweet, and savory wings – and you’ll have a cookout appetizer everyone will be dying to get their hands on.
3. Tomato Bruschetta with Crostini and Garlic and Herb Cheese
When it comes to Memorial Day cookout appetizers, it doesn’t get much easier than this! Toss together a fresh tomato bruschetta in just a few minutes, toast up some crostini in the oven, and serve with spreadable garlic and herb cheese for a simple yet flavorful appetizer everyone will love.
4. Blueberry Lemon Whipped Brie Dip
This light and flavorful whipped brie dip just screams summer. Made with blueberry preserves and fresh lemon, there’s so much flavor packed into such a simple appetizer. Scale it easily to serve a large crowd.
5. Teriyaki Pulled Pork Pull Apart Sliders
Who doesn’t love sliders at a backyard cookout? This make-ahead Memorial Day cookout recipe requires a little upfront effort, but they’re 100% worth it. Prep the pulled pork a day ahead of time, then assemble and bake before the party starts.
6. Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Tzatziki is a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip that you can serve with pita crackers or veggies for the perfect summer cookout snack. It’s light, healthy, and a unique alternative to serving ranch dressing with crudités that everyone will love!
7. Black Bean Corn Salsa
Prep this easy 4-ingredient salsa ahead of time and serve it cold at your Memorial Day cookout with tortilla chips. It may seem simple, but it’s seriously addicting – and definitely worth adding to your menu!
8. Buffalo Chicken Dip
You can never go wrong with buffalo chicken dip. This dip is a staple at our family parties – and soon it will be yours, too! It’s thick and creamy and just the right amount of spicy. Plus, you can easily scale it for a crowd, or make it in a crockpot to keep it warm throughout the whole party.
9. Pico De Gallo
Serve up some fresh summer tomatoes and onion with this easy pico de gallo recipe. It’s perfect for snacking on ahead of burgers or grilled chicken. Just make sure to have plenty of it to go around!
10. 4 Layer Mexican Dip
For fans of cheesy, creamy dips, this 4 layer Mexican dip hits the spot every single time. You can assemble it in just a few minutes and then pop it in the oven just as guests are arriving. Serve hot with tortilla chips and enjoy a savory snack before firing up the grill!
11. Grilled Chicken Sliders
Grilled chicken sliders are one of the best cookout foods for a crowd! Slice up the chicken into small patties ahead of time, then pop them on the grill and serve with a platter of toppings for a DIY-style slider party. Chicken is a blank canvas, so lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and all kinds of spreads go great with these sandwiches.
12. Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese
Cheeseburgers and mac n cheese are two cookout staples – so why not combine them into one ultimate cookout dish? You can make a big batch of this cheesy mac ahead of time, then simply reheat it in the oven before dinner time rolls around.
13. BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
If you really want to lean into barbecue flavors for your Memorial Day cookout, you’re going to want to try this pulled pork mac and cheese. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, saucy, and smoky to complement any barbecued meats you might be grilling or smoking this weekend!
14. Vegetarian Black Bean Southwest Sliders
Planning a vegetarian menu or looking for lighter fare? Try these easy black bean southwest sliders instead of burgers this Memorial Day. Slathered with a flavorful sauce and served on Hawaiian rolls, these mini sandwiches pack such a punch you won’t even miss the meat.
15. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Take a classic bacon cheeseburger and make it mini for a fun, bite-sized cookout appetizer or lunch! These sliders are sweet, savory, and tangy – everything you want in a backyard party cookout. Grab your favorite beer and one of these sliders to ring in the official start to summer!
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